Former blind school may be leased

JACKSON – Jackson developer Ted Duckworth says he’s in talks with the state to lease the former site of the Mississippi School for the Blind.

Clay Chandler reported Tuesday on his Magnolia Marketplace blog that the site, located in northeast Jackson, was approved by the Mississippi Legislature two years ago, allowing the state to lease the property to a private developer in an effort to boost sales tax revenue and create jobs.

Duckworth, of Duckworth Realty, says he feels an agreement can be reached by the end of this month to transform the property into a $150 million development that would include a movie theater, restaurants, retail, residential and office space.

He says negotiations continue with Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and the Mississippi Development Authority.

See Magnolia Marketplace for complete information.

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